Morality: Chapter 1

Why do we study morality?

Learning about how to make decisions concerning what is right or what is wrong, especially in tough situations, is both important and practical. We will all be called upon to make moral decisions numerous times in our lives.

Define Ethics

The rules of conduct recognized in respect to a particular group or culture.

Define Morality

Principles or habits with respect to right or wrong conduct. Morality is ultimately a personal compass of right and wrong.

Define Moral

What is right or good, Being a person who consistently attempts to act according to specific precepts of what's good, Something that is good or positive and promotes human welfare.

Define Immoral

Something that is negative, harmful or destructive to ourselves, to other people or to our environment.

Define Nonmoral

Something that is neutral, it neither harms nor hurts anyone or anything.

Define Amoral

A person with no sense for what is right or wrong. Someone is insensitive to the effect of his or her actions. Someone who purposely disregards the fact that his or her decisions are harmful.

Define Objective Morality

What actually is right and wrong.

Define Subjective Morality

What a person perceives to be right or wrong.

Describe "It's the Law" Morality

All decisions are based upon the law or upon what is legal. Alowats follows the rules for whatever group he or she belongs to; follow authority figures without question. Does not consider different circumstances when interpreting laws or rules. Fails to exercise personal freedom and responsibility.

Describe "Anything Goes" Morality

There are no consistent moral guidelines or principles. Morality is entirely subjective - there are no objective norms to guide what we should do. I can do whatever I want in any given situation - it is based entirely on the person.

What is moral law

The standards of human behavior established by God and taught by the church. Moral law is... Demand of our faith Guided by the cardinal virtues Provides the way to true happiness. Moral life leads us to knowledge of the inner life of God and his plans for us Based on the divine Wisdom of God Abiding by moral law draws us closer to Christ.

What is not moral law?

Human sexuality, Precepts, Does not mean being "moralistic"

What is original sin

Transmitted the tendency to sin to the human race.

How does original sin continue to affect the Human Race?

Sinful nature makes it difficult to make the right moral decisions

Define Grace

the divine life of God in the soul

What are the two types of graces?

Sanctifying grace and actual grace

Sanctifying Grace

confers new life in our souls through baptism, Nourished by the eucharist, Restored by reconciliation (if lost by mortal sin)

Actual Grace

Temporary grace given by God, Necessary to remain faithful to the commandments, Requires our response

How is Man Religious by nature?

All humans are able to grasp, at least in part, the moral law,

How is everyone called to a life of holiness?

Free will allows us to accept or reject this call We should follow the example of the life of Jesus Christ—his disposition, actions, and teachings.

Living our vocations requires 2 things, what are they?

free will and self-control

Define Disciple

("Follower") Individual who has adopted another person's way of life.

What does it mean to be a disciple of Christ?

To be a disciple of Christ is to imitate christ

Why is the moral responsibility of Christians greater?

The higher standard finds its origin and principle in the elevation of the soul to a new life in Christ through sanctifying grace

How is each Christian an integral part of God's family?

Reflected in the sacraments, especially Baptism and the Eucharist, having both individual and communal characteristics

What are the 2 main sources of Moral Theology?

Scared scripture and sacred tradition

What is sacred tradition?

Living transmission of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Define Magisterium

Church's teaching office, interprets the truths derived from Scripture and Tradition, through guidance of the Holy Spirit

Define Natural Law

The notion of right and wrong is derived from the very wisdom of God

What 2 things do our actions express?

moral dispositions and free will

Why is Christian Morality a positive morality?

Motivated by the love of God, Not a negative morality which is motivated solely by a fear of punishment

What does Christian Morality lead to?

leads to holiness

How does Moral law call us to Justice?

Called to establish a more just and peaceful society on earth while striving for heaven

Define Moral Theology

Study of the principles and actions revealed by Christ that lead to holiness and eternal salvation

Moral Theology is based on what?

Divine Revelation

How is Moral Theology compatible with natural sciences?

Uses modern scientific findings in areas of psychology and medicine to support what Christ revealed. Moral theology recognizes and understands the dignity of the human person